Thirlwall Castle, Medieval castle in Northumberland, England
Thirlwall Castle is a medieval fortress ruin located on the banks of River Tipalt in Northumberland, with stone walls built partly from materials taken from the nearby Hadrian's Wall. The remains still show the original structure with walls and foundations visible from that period.
The castle was built in the 12th century and reinforced in 1330 by John Thirlwall to serve as a defensive stronghold during frequent conflicts between England and Scotland. It sat in an important border region and played a role during those turbulent times of border warfare.
The name combines Middle English words: 'thirl' meaning perforated and 'wall', which reflects the connection to the nearby Hadrian's Wall built by Romans centuries earlier. Today the ruins remind visitors of how this landscape was shaped by different peoples across time.
The site is open year-round and admission is free. It sits in a rural setting, so visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Local tales speak of a Black Dwarf guarding a golden table within the castle walls. This legend connects the ruin to the folk traditions of the region and keeps it alive in storytelling.
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